James M. Bates Jr.

Jim graduated from Thomas Worthington High School in Ohio (1967). Jim went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from DePauw University in Indiana (1971), a Master of Science in Oceanography from Old Dominion University in Virginia (1976), as well as a Master of Science in Biostatistics from The University of Oklahoma (2001).

Jim worked as a research scientist at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center for the past thirty-four years, specializing first in the field of genetic diseases and most recently in nephrology. As part of the research team headed by Dr. Satish Kumar, his laboratory was the first in Oklahoma to successfully implement the knockout model technique for investigating specific diseases.

Jim and his wife, Francesca Morandini, met at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA and were married on May 12, 1973. Jim spent much of his time outdoors, camping both with his family and the Boy Scouts. He was an avid bird watcher throughout his life – accumulating a life list of 432 different species. Jim was a prominent member of the Oklahoma City Bird Club and Audubon Society, as well as an active member of Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ, enjoying his role in the church choir. He was a loving father, spending countless hours supporting his children’s activities in sports especially soccer, basketball, and softball. He enjoyed this time with them immensely, but his most valuable legacy was mentoring them by being a kind, honest, hard-working human being.

James is preceded in death by his father – James M. Bates Sr., his mother – Cordelia Bates, his step-mother – Maude Bates, and his sister – Lila Bates.

Jim is survived by his wife Francesca; his children John, Maria and Justin Lee, Cristina and Brian Byrne; and a grandson Henry Byrne due May of 2014. He is also survived by numerous relatives of the Eldridge clan including his Uncle Stan and Aunt Peg Eldridge, Aunt Mary Beth and Uncle J.V. Greathouse, and Aunts JoAnne Mick and Doris Hammerson. Further surviving family includes numerous cousins with whom he had very loving relationships, which were created and maintained during his participation in the family reunions that faithfully occurred every other year.

A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ in Oklahoma City on Monday, March 3rd at 2:00 p.m. with arrangements being provided by Chapel Hill Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest during a private interment service in the Masonic Garden of Chapel Hill Cemetery in Oklahoma City. Arrangements under the direction of Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Oklahoma City, OK.